Astronaut Thagard and fellow Mir 18 crewmembers chat at JSC

Astronaut Norman E. Thagard, right, chats with two Russian cosmonauts with whom he will be launched into space early next year for a three month mission. Designated Mir 18, the mission aboard the Russian space station will include Mir 18 crew members Gennadiy Strekalov (left) and commander Vladimir Dezhurov. The three appeared at a press conference during a break in medical training at JSC.